Over the past three months, the crime rate has decreased by 3.8% compared to the same period last year.
This period covers July to September. According to statistics released by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) in its second quarter performance report, which was tabled in the House of Assembly by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, the total number of crimes recorded during this reporting period stood at 13 537, compared to 14 070 cases in the same period last year, representing a 3.8% decrease.
| Eswatini Observer WhatsApp Channel
The report has not yet been adopted, but will be debated today by Members of Parliament.
The police also reported that prioritised and serious crimes decreased by 4.6%. Serious crimes that declined included armed robbery (down by 54.6%), murder (down by 7.1%), housebreaking and theft (down by 7.4%), robbery (down by 27.3%), stock theft (down by 15.5%), car robbery (down by 80%), and fraud (down by 9.5%).
The REPS attributed this decline to reinforced policing strategies and programmes, including visible policing, public education campaigns, and partnerships with various stakeholders in the crime prevention value chain.
However, despite these improvements, the police noted an increase in certain serious crimes.
Attempted murder rose by 28.2%, car theft by 9.4%, rape by 29.1%, and copper theft by 36.4%.
The police stated that reducing serious crime remained a complex challenge requiring a multifaceted and evidence-based approach, involving collaboration with communities, social services, local government, and other stakeholders.
“The theft of copper wire and other non-ferrous metals continues to pose a challenge, as it is persistently on the rise and negatively impacts the economy and infrastructure, ultimately affecting the livelihoods of the populace,” the report reads.
The report added that it remained REPS’s goal to ensure all stakeholders coordinate their efforts in fighting this national concern.
The service commended ongoing efforts to enact copper theft legislation that will criminalise the possession of copper and non-ferrous metals.
“The significant increase in rape cases involving victims aged zero to 17 is attributed to public awareness campaigns conducted by the police and the enforcement of Section 70 of the SODV Act, wherein Tibi Tendlu is no longer practised and the public is encouraged to report such cases,” the REPS report stated.
The police further noted that the increase in reported rape cases reflects not only the gravity of the crime but also the complex legal, social, and psychological factors involved. They said addressing rape effectively requires specialised training, a victim-centred approach, and a strong commitment to justice and accountability.
Meanwhile, REPS reported a major breakthrough in a case involving six suspects who were allegedly falsifying bail receipts in an attempt to secure the release of an inmate from Sidwashini Correctional Services.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested and charged with manufacturing fake fine payment receipts and blue books, which they issued to members of the public for financial gain. The devices used to produce these documents were confiscated for forensic examination.
The police added that this significant breakthrough highlights the dedication, skill, and persistence of the police service, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern investigative methods and reaffirming their commitment to upholding justice, protecting the public, and bringing offenders to account.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
